Are You Really Paying Your Technicians Enough? (Hint: It’s Not Just About Money)

When dealership leaders ask, “Am I paying technicians enough?” they’re usually thinking in terms of dollars per flagged hour. But here’s the truth: pay isn’t the #1 reason technicians stay or leave your shop. The customer technically pays the technician—the dealership is simply the middleman. That means the real question isn’t about hourly rates. It’s […]

7 Steps to Go from SERVICE MANAGER to GENERAL MANAGER

If you’re a SERVICE MANAGER or PARTS MANAGER, you’ve probably wondered: Could I ever run the whole dealership? The path from service manager to general manager is achievable. The short answer? Yes. The long answer? You’ll need more than technical know-how—you’ll need systems, people skills, and the ability to think bigger than your department. In […]

Are You Ruining Your New Service Advisors?

If you’re a SERVICE MANAGER or FIXED OPS DIRECTOR, you’ve probably wrestled with this question: When is a new service advisor truly ready to handle customers on their own? The answer lies in effective new service advisor training systems. Some will tell you it’s six months. Others will say a year. The truth? There’s no […]

What To Do When Customers Say “No” in the Service Drive

If you’re a SERVICE ADVISOR or SERVICE MANAGER, you’ve probably felt the sting of a customer saying “no.” Whether it’s an alignment, a brake job, or recommended maintenance, objections can feel like rejection—and too often, ADVISORS are trained to “push harder.” The truth? Objection handling isn’t about comebacks—it’s about systems that prevent “no” from happening […]

What Canada Does Better: A Fixed Ops Lesson for U.S. Dealerships

If you run a dealership service department, you already know the technician shortage is one of the biggest obstacles in FIXED OPS today. Finding a technician shortage solution is critical. While the U.S. struggles to find and retain talent, Canada has quietly figured out a better way. And there are lessons here that every SERVICE […]

The Real Reason Service Managers Get Fired!

Every Service Manager knows that pit in your stomach. You’re about to let someone go. You didn’t sleep the night before. You know it’s the right decision, but you can’t shake the thought: What will this do to them? Chris Collins has been there. So has Christian. In fact, in this episode of Service Drive […]

The SERVICE ADVISOR Benchmark Breakdown: What Top Performers Are Doing

How do your service numbers really compare? In this episode of Service Drive Revolution, Chris Collins and Christian dive into live performance data from real service departments across the country. We’re talking actual numbers—broken down by brand—so you can see what top-performing service advisors are doing differently. If you’re a SERVICE ADVISOR, MANAGER, or FIXED […]

How to Train Quick Lube Techs into Master Technicians

Want to reduce tech turnover, close the skill gap in your shop, and build a long-term talent pipeline? Start by training your quick lube techs to become master technicians. In this episode of Service Drive Revolution, Chris Collins and Christian Lafferty break down a proven system to grow homegrown talent—from day-one express techs to fully […]

Navigating the Next Crisis: What Great Dealerships Do Differently

The automotive industry is no stranger to disruption. From supply chain chaos to rising tariffs, every store eventually faces a challenge. But not all respond the same way. In this blog, we break down the dealership crisis leadership strategies that separate high-performing fixed ops departments from those that struggle. Based on a roundtable discussion from […]

Top Fixed Ops Performers: What Car Dealership Service Managers and Advisors Do Differently

What separates high-performing service departments from the ones that never quite hit their numbers? According to our team of seasoned fixed ops coaches, the answer isn’t as complicated as it seems. It comes down to mindset, habits, leadership—and a willingness to stop making excuses. Whether you’re a service advisor on the drive or a manager […]

The Future of Automotive: Culture, Leadership & Service Drive Excellence with Glenn Lundy

What does it take to thrive in today’s rapidly changing automotive world? According to industry leader Glenn Lundy, the answer lies in adaptability, strong leadership, and building a culture that evolves with the times. In a high-energy episode of Service Drive Revolution, Glenn joins Chris Collins to talk about dealership leadership, what separates successful stores […]

Maximizing Service Drive Revenue: Top Strategies Explained

Running a successful dealership service department isn’t just about processing repair orders—it’s about building trust, enhancing customer satisfaction, and maximizing revenue without resorting to pushy sales tactics. To gain deeper insights into optimizing service drive performance, we spoke with industry expert Jim Kozimor, who shared valuable strategies for SERVICE ADVISORS and MANAGERS looking to maximize […]